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IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


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£   |j£    12.0 


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PholDgraphic 

Sciences 

Corporation 


23  WBT  MAIN  STRIET 

WftSTH.N.Y.  14SM 

(716)«72-4S03 


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CIHM/ICMH 

Microfiche 

Series. 


CIHM/ICIVIH 
Collection  de 
microfiches. 


Canadian  Institute  for  Historical  Microraproductions  /  Institut  Canadian  de  microraproductions  historiquas 


Technical  and  Bibliographic  Notas/Notas  tachniquas  at  bibliographiquaa 


Tha  Inttituta  haa  attamptad  to  obtain  tha  baat 
original  copy  availabia  for  filming.  Faaturaa  of  thia 
copy  which  may  ba  bibiiographically  uniqua, 
which  may  altar  any  of  tha  imagaa  in  tha 
raproduction,  or  which  may  aignif  icantly  changa 
tha  usual  mathod  of  filming,  ara  chackad  balow. 


HColourad  covars/ 
Couvartura  da  coulaur 


I      I   Covars  damagad/ 


D 


D 
D 

n 
n 


D 


Couvartura  andommag6a 


Covars  restorad  and/or  laminatad/ 
Couvartura  rastaurAa  at/ou  palliculte 


I      I   Cover  titia  missing/ 


Le  titre  da  couvartura  manqua 


I      I   Coloured  maps/ 


Cartes  giographlques  en  couleur 


Coloured  Ink  (i.e.  other  than  blue  or  black)/ 
Encra  da  couleur  (i.e.  autre  que  bleue  ou  noire) 


Coloured  plates  and/or  illustrations/ 
Planches  et/ou  iliustrationa  an  coulaur 


Bound  with  other  material/ 
Rail*  avac  d'autras  documents 

Tight  binding  may  cause  shadows  or  distortion 
along  Interior  margin/ 

La  re  liure  serrie  peut  causer  de  I'ombre  ou  de  la 
distortion  le  long  de  la  marge  IntArieure 

Blank  leaves  added  during  reatoration  may 
appear  within  the  text.  Whenever  possible,  these 
have  been  omitted  from  filming/ 
11  se  peut  que  certaines  pages  blanches  ajouttos 
lors  d'une  restauration  apparaissant  dana  la  taxte, 
mais.  lorsque  cela  Atait  possible,  ces  pages  n'ont 
pas  At*  filmAes. 

Additional  comments:/ 
Commentaires  supplAmantalras: 


L'Institut  a  microfilm*  la  meilleur  exemplaira 
qu'il  lui  a  At*  possible  de  se  procurer.  Les  d*tails 
da  cat  exemplaire  qui  sont  peut-Atre  uniques  du 
point  de  vue  bibliographiqua,  qui  peuvent  modifier 
une  image  reproduite,  ou  qui  peuvent  exiger  une 
modification  dans  la  mAthoda  normale  de  f ilmage 
sont  indiquAs  ci-dessous. 


r~|   Coloured  pagea/ 


Pages  de  couleur 

Pages  damaged/ 
Pages  endommagAas 

Pages  restored  and/oi 

Pages  restaurAes  at/ou  pelliculAes 

Pages  discoloured,  stained  or  foxei 
Pages  dAcoiortes.  tachetAes  ou  piquAes 

Pages  detached/ 
Pages  dAtachAas 

Showthrough/ 
Transparence 

Quality  of  prir 

Quality  InAgala  de  I'impression 

Includes  supplementary  matarii 
Comprend  du  material  suppMmentaire 


I — I  Pages  damaged/ 

I     I  Pages  restored  and/or  laminated/ 

rri  Pages  discoloured,  stained  or  foxed/ 

I     I  Pages  detached/ 

r~n  Showthrough/ 

I     I  Quality  of  print  varies/ 

|~n  Includes  supplementary  material/ 


I — I   Only  edition  available/ 


D 


Seule  Edition  disponible 

Pages  wholly  or  partially  obscured  by  errata 
Blips,  tissues,  etc..  have  been  ref limed  to 
ensure  the  best  possible  image/ 
Les  pages  totalement  ou  partiellement 
obscurcies  par  un  feuillet  d'errata.  une  pelure, 
etc..  ont  M  filmtes  A  nouyeau  de  fa^on  A 
obtenir  la  meilleure  image  possible. 


Tf 
to 


Tl 
pc 
of 
fil 


Or 
be 
th 
sit 
ot 
♦ir 
sic 
or 


Th 
sh 
Til 
w» 

Ml 
dif 
em 
bei 
rig 
req 
ma 


This  item  is  filmed  at  the  reduction  ratio  checked  below/ 

Ce  document  est  film*  au  taux  da  rMuction  indiqu*  ci-deaaoua 

10X                           14X                           18X                           22X 

26X 

30X 

y 

12X 

16X 

20X 

24X 

2SX 

32X 

Th«  copy  film«d  h«r«  hat  b««n  raproducad  thank* 
to  tha  ganaroalty  of: 

U  BibliotfOqiN  dt  la  Villa  da  Montrlal 


L'axamplaira  film*  fut  raproduit  grica  i  la 
ginirosit*  da: 

U  BiblKrtMqua  da  la  Villa  da  MontrM 


Tha  imagaa  appaaring  hara  ara  tha  baat  quality 
potsibia  conaidaring  tha  condition  and  iagibiiity 
of  tha  original  copy  and  in  icaaping  with  tha 
filming  contract  apacificationa. 


Laa  imagaa  auivantaa  ont  At*  raproduitaa  mj9c  la 
piua  grand  aoin,  compta  tanu  da  la  condition  at 
da  la  nattat*  da  l'axamplaira  film*,  at  an 
conformit*  avac  las  conditions  du  contrat  da 
filmaga. 


Original  copiaa  in  printad  papar  covara  ara  filmad 
baginning  with  tha  front  covar  and  anding  on 
tha  last  paga  with  a  printad  or  iilustratad  impras- 
sion,  or  tha  bacic  covar  whan  appropriata.  All 
othar  original  copies  ara  filmad  baginning  on  tha 
^irst  paga  with  a  printad  or  illuatratad  impraa- 
sion,  and  anding  on  tha  last  paga  with  a  printad 
or  iilustratad  impraaaion. 


Tha  last  racordad  frama  on  aach  microficha 
shall  contain  tha  symbol  — ►  (moaning  "CON- 
TINUED"), or  tha  symbol  V  (moaning  "END"), 
whichavar  applias. 


Laa  axampiairas  originaux  dont  la  couvartura  an 
papiar  aat  imprim*a  sont  film*s  an  commandant 
par  la  pramiar  plat  at  an  tarminant  salt  par  la 
darnlAra  paga  qui  comporta  una  amprainta 
d'imprassion  ou  d'illustration,  soit  par  la  sacond 
plat,  salon  la  cas.  Tous  las  autras  axampiairas 
originaux  sont  filmte  an  commandant  par  la 
pramiAra  paga  qui  comporta  una  amprainta 
d'imprassion  ou  d'illustration  at  an  tarminant  par 
ia  darnidra  paga  qui  comporta  una  talla 
amprainta. 

Un  das  symbolas  suivants  apparattra  sur  la 
darnidra  imaga  da  chaqua  microficha,  salon  la 
cas:  la  symbols  — »^  signifia  "A  SUIVRE",  la 
symbols  V  signifia  "FIN  ". 


Maps,  platas,  charts,  ate,  may  ba  filmad  at 
different  reduction  ratios.  Those  soo  large  to  be 
entirely  included  in  one  exposure  are  filmed 
beginning  in  the  upper  left  hand  corner,  left  to 
right  and  top  to  bottom,  as  many  frames  as 
required.  The  following  diagrams  illustrate  the 
metnod: 


Les  cartes,  planches,  tableaux,  etc..  peuvent  *tre 
filmia  k  das  taux  da  reduction  diff Grants. 
Lorsque  le  document  est  trop  grand  pour  Atra 
reproduit  en  un  seul  ciichA,  11  est  filmA  A  partir 
da  I'angle  supArieur  gauche,  de  gauche  A  droite, 
et  de  haut  en  has,  en  prenant  le  nombre 
d'images  nAcessaire.  Les  diagrammes  suivants 
iilustrent  la  mMhode. 


1 

2 

3 

32X 


1 

2 

3 

4 

b 

6 

.^ys-j^ 


w 


l(pZ5S     383in 


JDir.   BROWK's 

S  E  R  M  p  N, 

ON     THE 

DANGERS  AND  DUTIES 


Or    THE 

SEAFARING  LIFE. 


;'\  ;  '  i 


'  I  /. 


'■#•  ^  ■ 


<i  •! 


'■  il,'. 


.■*J 


M 


f 


\ ,  ■■ 


■'■kaiTua, 


tKv' 


i'K^'^w'v "'. 


:■'  tf'i"    >>'  'l^_ 


^K^s  \  rm^'"^ 


'^'-. 


?«1W"  »»•■«!*' 


'a"** 


^^r.y-i'ptf  ie#   ..■^  ,  -itj^  >?!♦■  it,^ 


A.  .,■ 


'■*'     •''  ■;■■ 


''  '  . 

I;  »    j 


mt.9tmm 


■m 


'  S   E   R   M   O   N, 


-.■•  i  .J, 


'  h  f\ 


ON    THK 

DANGERS  and  DUTIES 


■■v/'.  •■■  ;■■ 


OF     THE 


^  ' -^  SEAFARING  LIFE;     , 

3' .    i^if  r    PREACHED  BEFORE  THE     ^r 

'  Proteftant  Dijfenting  Congregation^ 

AT  HALIFAX;  »  i« 

_^i  >    S,,il{i*i.>   -V.,'  ,  '  .     ^. 

AND  PUBLISHED  AT  THE  DEIIKE  OF  THE 


MARINE    SOCIETY, 

IN  THAt  PLACE. 


'  -t'   ^t  r-ii«'; 


;  ,>,         BY  ANDREW  BROWN,  d.d. 

Minifter  of  the  Proteftant  Diffenting  Congregation. 


PRINTED  AT  THK  SIfOnOJPrttt,    IN  BOtTOW, 

BY  BELKNAP  AND  HALL, 

DOCK  SQUARE. — 1793. 

"and    for  sale  at   THE    BOSTON    BOOKSTORE, 
NO.  59,  CORNHILL. 


*;y 


\..,-J 


J 


'4 


yi  o  M  ii  a  r; 


..■\ 


■  '  «;    '  i    ■   -1 


.  •  .1 


"  -^  r-»gaSlK;;;.Vii»iaU.:'.u«::iv.j)ig'tfiaii'ii-.'Mtt/J.:iV-:v.-iitJfeaMB»^^ 


■2  ■«- 


l»' 


,  J  J  A  H  'r  K-'.  q  A  VI  vi  .  I  :i  a  vra  ,   , 


f- 


thought 
delivert 
view  to 
know  oj 
benevolt 
trejfedj 
would 
ofproni 
Afcr 
edjrom 
their  h 
partial 
ciple 
fufftn 


u 


'ifl.jry 


\'\ 

K-.*'  v>i  '■■■/ 

U?:..-  ' 

■;,♦.;■■; 

**,  ■  ■ 

k  -^  '.'■■  > 

?*4k'>. 

cm 

■tsr:;^. 

:rjs» 

CKA 


fe- 


.  -  h*j- 


ADVERTISEMENT.       ■ 

The  following  Sermon,  haftify  prepared  at 
fea,  while  the  feelings  it  defcribes  and  the  train  of 
thought  to  which  they  lead  werefrefh  on  the  mind,  was 
delivered  in  the  ordinary  courfe  oj  duty,  without  any 
view  to  publication.  At  that  time,  the  Author  did  not 
know  of  the  exijience  of  a  Society  in  this  place  for  the 
benevolent  purpofe  of  patronizing  and  relieving  dif 
treffedfeamen ;  and  could  not  forejee  that  his  dif courfe 
would  meet  their  approbation,  or  be  thought  capable 
of  promoting  the  defigns  of  their  inflitution.  „.  . . 
Afenfe  of  gratitude  for  much  kind  attention  receiv- 
ed from  failon,  and  afincere  defire  of  contributing  to 
their  benefit,  has  induced  him  to  comply  with  the  too 
partial  requefl  of  the  MarineSociety^M^  prin- 
ciple of  whofe  inflitution  he  highly  approves)  and  to 
fuffer  this  difcourfe  to  be  printed  for  their  vfe, 

Halifax,  w</>n/2,  1793.  _t^^r,^^^:m 

"-   ;  '--dak.        ..     ,'-«;■    ^     ■         •  ^     /.      >J  i!l  ;. 


i,. 


.- f?^' 


:•/!- V;,^^,, !;-:'■«.. I  r 


1   V-.  ?         V 


ni 


Ik'^i 


'  ^  -'  ■ ' . 


iJ|U'^ti.   .'«•«;'( 


VO'w  . 


\fc!;?A'.v 


^A..,;*.  .,^j 


*''rA 


'/*!J;3oii^vt'^ 


?* 


.^  >"'i'.^?^i-:fKv^t,ti 


V 


:■"■-  V 


*»      »   t    » ,       ii^ 


I  -J  ? 


'>      •;    ''      X 


1        Wf^', 


:J    f  \H} 


-    A  f 


;t>  -ili 


i  ;;.!  1 


->ti  y 


•.«t3i 


:   WCkt 

;  tAeJ 
Jkiy 

..  tlepih 
reel  t 
areai 
their 

^'trefei 
therei 
quiet, 
Oh,t\ 
and 
letti 
andi 


•^•■.). 


•■<*-_ 


i-  I  v/    ii*i': 


•/; 


l^ 


rt';;^  j-'u;     -••:.?i 


t.-.f  i 


..   U-^lr 


4i     i'{ 


PSALM  cvii.  from  verfe  93  1033."""  *  '^ 

TXfX  /W^tf  i/owR  /0  the  fta  in  Jhips,  that  do  hufinefs  in 
great  waters :  The/e  fee  the  works  of  the  Lord^  and  his 
wonders  in  the  deep.  For  he  commandeth  and  rai/etk 
thejiormy  wind,  which  lifteth  up  the  waves  thereof. 
They  mount  up  to  the  heaven,  they  go  down  again  to  tha 
depths :  their  foul  is  melted  becaufe  of  trouble.  They 
reel  to  and  fro,  andjiagger  like  a  drunken  man,  and 
are  at  their  wit's  end.  Then  they  cry  unto  the  Lord  in 
their  trouble,  and  he  bringeth  them  out  of  their  difm 
irejfes,  Hemaketh  thejlorm  a  calm,  Jo  that  the  waves 
thereof  are  ftilL  Then  are  they  glad  becaufe  they  be 
quiet,  fo  he  bringeth  them  unto  their  defired  haven. 
Oh,  that  men  would  praife  the  Lord  for  his  goodnefi, 
andjor  his  wonderful  works  to  the  children  of  men  I 
Let  them  exalt  him  in  the  congregation  of  the  people^ 
and  praife  him  in  the  affembly  of  the  elders, 

±  H  £  Minifters  of  the  Gofpel  are 
appointed  to  explain  the  doQrines  of  Chriftian- 
itv,  to  adminifter  its  facraments,  and  to  inculcate 
the  pra£lice  of  piety  and  good  works.  Their 
cominiflion  inftru£ls  them  to  preach  the  glad 
tidings  of  reconciliation  and  forgivenefs  to  every 
creature,  and  they  are  authorized  by  the  exam- 
ple of  an  apoftle,  to  become  all  things  to  all  men. 


6 


\.. 


if 


that  they  may  fain  Tome.  Hence,  it  is  their  duty 
to  feleft  all  forts  of  fubjeAs,  arid  to  addrafs  all 
clafles  of  men.  No  order  is  fo  defpicable  as  to 
be  beloi«r  their  notice,  and  none  f6  profligate  as 
to  be  beyond  their  hope. 

.  In  their  paftoral  care  of  the  Chriftian  Churchy 
it  i«  incumbent  on  MiniAers  to  confider  the  par- 
fieular  fituations  in  which  their  congregations 
are  placed,  the  character  of  the  different  ranks 
which  compofe  them,  and  the  darigers  arid  temp- 
tations to  which  they  are  fubjeAed ;  that  they 
may  be  enabled  to  accommodate  their  difcourfes 
to  their  capacity,  and  to  recommend,  with  ener- 
gy and  effe^,  the  fentiments  and  coadu^  which 
are  fuited  to  their  circumftances  in  life.  -  \^ 
"'  In  a  fcaport  town,  where  many  have  con- 
cerns on  the  ocean,  and  are  employed  in  fliips, 
it  will  not  furely  be  reckoned  too  great  an  en- 
croachment on  the  rights  of  general  iuftru£lion, 
to  bellow  a  particular  difcourfe  on  the  feafaring 
life  ;  efpecially  when  we  confider  that  none  of 
the  work»  of  God  are  indifferent  to  any  of  his 
people,  and  that  the  pra£lical  inllruflions  dedu6- 
ible  from  the  prefent  fubje£t,  will,  in  a  great 
mea Cure,  be  equally  applicable  to  all.  ^.  '^  ' 
,.  Were  further  juQification  neceflary  for  adopt- 
ing fuch  a  theme,  I  (hould  fay  of.  the  order  of 
men  to  whom  it  more  particularly  belongs,  what 
the  Jews  faid  of  the  Centurion,  who  befought 


men( 
quel 
implj 
occt 
III 
powj 
mai 


\  • 

i 
t  • 


[eir  duty 

Irafs  all 

|ble  as  to 

[fligate  as 

Churcbi 

r  the  par- 

regations 

ent  ranks 

atid  temp- 

that  they 

difcourfes 

with  ener- 

iu^  whif  h 

ife.  -  ^.* 

have  con- 

!d  in  (hips, 

;reat  an  en- 

iiiftru6lion, 

le  feafaring 

lat  none  of 

any  of  his 

ions  dedu6- 

in  a  great 

— i -'•" 

>       :i"n  '■■ 

f  for  adopt- 
be  order  of 
lon^s,  what 
lO  be  fought 


JeTtts  for  the  recovery  of  his  fcrvant,  "  They 
•re  worthy  for  whom  we  Ihould  do  this."  Tho* 
rough  in  manners  and  in  fpeech,  their  hearts  are 
good,  and  readily  warm  with  friendOiip  for  each 
other,  and  with  pity  to  the  poor.  They  are 
very  fufceptible  of  ferious  impreffions  and  of 
gratitude  to  God  ;  and  though  not  generally 
diftinguiflied  by  the  profeflBon  of  religion,  they 
are  at  worft,  I  truft,  more  thoughtlefs  and  in- 
confiderate,  than  obftinately  wicked.     '<^J'««> 

In  the  text,  which  is  equally  remarkable  for 
fimplicity  of  ftyle  and  juftnefs  of  dcfcription, 
the  Pfalmift  has  given  us  a  very  animated  repre- 
fentation  of  the  dangers  of  the  feafaring  life,  and 
of  the  impreflions  which  they  make  on  the  heart 
of  the  mariner.  Treading  in  the  fteps  of  this 
infpired  guide,  I  propofe  to  offer  a  few  obferva* 
tions  on  the  following  articles  immediately  con- 
nefted  with  this  profcffion  i      '  _   /  ^i ,-. .., 

I.  On  the  belief  of  the  exillence  and  govern- 
ment of  God,  or  at  leaft  of  the  practical  confe- 
quences  of  that  principle,  which  is  expreifed  or 
implied  in  navigation,  and  in  all  the  hazardous 
occupations  of  life.         ►^  .  ,.       ^ 

II.  On  the  fignal  manifeflations  of  the  divine 
power  and  providence  which  are  made  to  the 
mariner  on  the  great  waters.     ^^  *     '  \"-T'''  ' 


■ 


so 


i 
f 

I 


III.  On  the  imminent  dangers  of  the  fea- 
faring  life,  and  the  merciful  prote^ion  which 
God  extends  to  thofe  who  are  engaged  in  it^^^  . 

IV.  On  the  fentiments  and  condu^  becom- 
ing this  expofed  and  perilous  profeflion.  ;,^._. 
<  All  thefe  ideas  are  evidently  included  in  the 
words  of  the  Pfalm,  "  They  that  go  down  to 
the  fea  in  fliips,  that  do  bufinefs  in  great  wa- 
ters :  Thefe  fee  the  works  of  the  Lord,  and  his 
wonders  in  the  deep.  For  he  commandeth  and 
raifeth  the  ftormy  wind,  which  lifteth  up  the 
waves  thereof.  They  mount  up  to  the  heaven, 
they  go  down  again  to  the  depths ;  their  fcul  is 
melted  becaufe  of  trouble.  They  reel  to  and 
fro,  and  dagger  like  a  drunken  man,  and  are 
at  their  wit's  end.  Then  they  cry  unto  the 
Lord  in  their  trouble,  and  he  bringeth  them 
out  of  their  didrelTes.  He  maketh  the  florm  a 
calm,  fo  that  the  waves  thereof  are  ftill.  Then 
are  they  glad  becaufe  they  be  quiet,  fo  he  bring- 
eth them  unto  their  defired  haven.  Oh,  that 
men  would  praife  the  Lord  for  his  goodnefs, 
and  for  his  wonderful  works  to  the  children  of 
men !  Le!;  them  exalt  him  alfo  in  the  congrega- 
tion of  the  people,  ana  praife  him  in  the  alTem- 
bly  of  the  elders." 

I  begin  with  offering  a  few  obfervations  on  the 
belief  of  the  exiftence  andgovemment  of  God,  or 
at  lead  of  thcpraflical  confequences  of  that  prin- 


rcfj 
to 


I 


le  fea- 
which 

it* 
Ibecom- 

in  the 

[own  to 

eat  wa- 

and  his 

[eth  and 

up  the 

heaven, 

ir  fcul  is 

to  and 

and  are 

unto  the 

;th  them 

e  ftorm  a 

1.     Then 

he  bring- 

Oh,  that 

goodnefs, 

tildren  of 

:ongrega- 

he  affem- 

>ns  on  the 
>fGod,or 
that  prin- 


,  '11 

ciple,  which  is  expreflTed  or  implied  in  navigation, 
and  in  all  the  hazardous  occupations  of  life.  .. 
Whether  we  fear  God,  or  do  not  fear  him,  we 
are  indebted  to  principles  efltablilhed  by  religion 
for  our  comfort  and  fecurity  in  all  the  trying  exi« 
gences  of  this  mortal  (late.  In  a  particular  man- 
ner it  is  owing  to  our  belief  in  the  exiftence  of 
God,  and  in  the  fixed  laws  of  his  government, 
that  we  go  down  to  the  fea  in  (hips  with  compof- 
ure  and  expe£lation.  Were  there  no  order  in 
nature,  no  prefiding  Agent,  and  no  fettled  con- 
neflion  between  caufes  and  e(Fe£ls,  we  durft 
not  truft  ourfelves  from  firm  ground,  and  could 
not  tread  even  there  with  any  meafure  of  confi- 
dence. 'n.t-^>^i^->':4l-^,  S,*-*,^.  _..pin-.tS^:ii 

Did  we  believe  that  chance  had  produced  the 
(ydem  of  the  univerfe,  and  placed  us  in  our  (la- 
tion,  we  could  have  no  fecurity  for  the  continu- 
ance of  our  exidence,  or  for  the  duration  of  the 
world  in  which  we  dwell.  Chance  cannot: 
work  with  delign,  and  the  fabric  which  it  had  fo 
wonderfully  reared,  it  might  again  deftroy  in  a 
manner  equally  wonderful.  In  this  (late  of  un- 
certainty with  refpe6l  to  our  being,  we  (hould 
have  no  determinate  principles  to  regulate  our 

COndufl.  ;  «►«,,*     w   ,,'; 

All  things  would  appear  fingle  and  unrelated, 
rcfulting  from  no  e(labli(hed  caufe,  and  referring 
to  no  certain  end.     Of  coufequence  experience 


1 


im 


\  \  -v 


I--: 


»d 


would  be  df  no  fervice  to  as,  as  we  eould  not 
infer  from  what  had  taken  place  yefterday,  that 
to-morrow  the  fame  caufes  would  be  attended 
with  the  fame  efiFe£is,  or  the  fame  means  pro* 
du^ive  of  the  iame  eads.  The  future  would 
be  wholly  fortuitous,  and  on  ordinary  as  weU 
as  extral>rdinary  occafions,  when  we  had  any 
matter  of  importance  at  flake,  wefliouldbeat 
our  wit's  end#  -.tti.&^i***'^ -i"^*- ♦-;>*»*.■. b  ?»"*  ^^t'*  i^t^-v 

On  the  other  hand  if  we  had  reafon  to  fup<- 
pofe  that  an  eternal  fate  and  uncontroulable 
neceflity  dire£led  the  courfe  of  things,  it  (xrould 
be  our  duty  to  watt  in  perfefl  tranquillity  till 
their  pleafure  was  made  known,  and  then  ta 
fubmit  to  the  decree  without  a  druggie  or  a 
murmur.  On  this  fcheme,  reafon  and  prudence,, 
effort  and  a£lion  would  be  completely  fuperfed- 
ed  ;  nothing  being  more  obvious  than  that  fate 
cannot  be  altered,  and  that  it  is  vain  to  con- 
tend with  neceffity.    *UV;/a    ->.•     4l'$  i¥     ni     l^'-Ci** 

Even  on  the  beft  fydems  of  infidelity,  our  ex- 
igence and  the  world  around  us  would  be 
gloomy  and  uncomfortable:  Unknown  and 
irrefiRiible  powers,  who  had  counted  mankind 
worthy  of  no  communication  of  their  will,  would 
be  working  oh  every  fide,  without  any  regard  for 
our  happinefs.  Ignorant  of  their  nature,  and 
of  the  ends  of  their  adminiftration,  in  profperity 
we  ihould  not  be  able  to  enjoy  ourfelves,  or  the 


i'.^U»i»—W» 


<s 


ixldnot 
y,  that 
(tended 
ns  pro* 
would 
as  well 
lad  any 
d  be  at 

CO  fupo 
oulable 
would 
lity  till 
then  ta 
;le  or  a 
adence,. 
iperfed- 
hat  fate 
to  con- 

our  ex- 

»uld  be 
vn.  and 
(lankind 
!,  would 
gard  for 
;re,  and 
^fperity 
?,  or  the 


arbitrary  gifts  of  our  invifible  benefa6iors  ]  and 
in  adverfity  we  could  have  no  prefent  help,  iind 
no  fttftaining  hope  of  future  deliverance.  '^>v<  •*m 

The  belief  of  the  exiftence  and  government  of  an 
everlafting  and  Almighty  Being,  wife,  and  juft, 
and  beneficent,  compofes  our  fears,  and  givet 
us  courage  and  confidence  in  the  moft  perilous 
fcenes.  fiy  the  dit'coveries  of  revelation,  his 
perfe£iion5  are  made  our  truft,  and  his  provi* 
dence  becomes  our  fafeguard.  There  we  learn 
that  infinite  wifdom  cannot  err,  and  that  eter- 
nal goodnefs  is  incapable  of  change ;  that  the 
intelligence  which  knows  the  end  from  the  begin- 
ning can  ordain  nothing  but  what  is  good,  and 
that  what  is  once  ordained  can  never  be  improv* 
cd,  and  confequently  will  not  be  altered,  "^'m,'  { 

Thefe  principles  of  religion  infpire  us  with 
confidence  in  the  order  of  nature,  and  in  the 
cfHcacy  of  our  own  exertions.  They  aflure  us 
that  in  the  time  to  come  as  well  as  in  that  which 
is  paft,  the  fun  will  rife  in  the  eaft.  and  the  mag- 
net  point  to  the  pole  ;  that  in  the  tame  latitudes 
tlie  variation  and  declination  uf  the  needle  will 
be  regulated  by  the  fame  laws ;  and  that  in  fim- 
ilar,  circum (lancet,  fimilar  appearances  will  be 
the  indication  of  fimilar  cfFcds.         ,, 

Proceeding  o'l  thefe  folid  principles  which 
are  eflabliflied  by  religion  with  ftill  greater  au- 
thority than  by  philofophy,  the  mariner  weighs 


i# 


*4. 


'1 


i  i. 

f 

H 


IS    .; 


t 


his  anchor,  and  fpreads  his  canvas  to  the  breeze. 
Under  their  dire^ion  he  purfues  his  courfe  thro' 
the  pathlefs  waters ;  fweeps  the  horrizon  to  af- 
certain  the  mid-day  hour ;  calculates  his  diftance 
from  his  port,  and  even  ventures  to  predift  the 
time  of  his  arrival. 

I  do  not  mean,  however,  to  affert  by  any  of 
the  preceding  obfervations,  that  the  perfons 
who  a&  upon  thefe  principles  do  it  with  defign, 
or  in  a  religious  fpirit.  It  is  much  to  be  feared 
that  this  is  very  feldom  the  caie.  Walking  in  a 
beaten  track,  and  guided  by  cuflom  and  habit, 
they  too  often  take  advantage  of  them,  -*<;  cir- 
cumftances  require,  without  any  reflexion  at  all. 
In  the  fame  fituation  they  repeat  the  fame  ac- 
tion,  inftindUvely  and  mechanically,  with  no 
concern  about  its  immediate  operation,  or  the 
ultimate  effeds  which  it  is  intended  to  produce. 
Neverthelefs,  when  we  trace  their  condu^  to 
the  foundation  on  which  it  reds,  it  evidently 
refolves  itfelf  into  the  principle  here  afligned, 
the  belief  that  a  wife  and  benificent  Providence 
rules  the  world  by  general  and  unalterable  laws. 

So  neceffary  is  the  exiftence  and  government 
of  God  to  the  exiftence  of  the  world,  and  the 
comfort  of  his  creatures,  and  fo  true  is  it  that  in 
every  ftep  we  take,  we  carry  at  lea  ft  the  praQical 
convi6lion  of  his  exiftence  and  government  at 


bei 

wi 

th< 


* 


'i~/.-:»T'^*-<*'.' 


:A  t  >)ji 


e  breeze, 
irfe  ihro' 
jn'to  af- 
( diftance 
edia  the 


i"t*' 


by  any  of 
perfons 

th  defign» 
be  feared 
liking  in  a 
and  habit, 
n,  ^s  cir- 
Hon  at  all. 
;  fame  ac- 
with  no 
on,  or  the 
3  produce, 
condu^  to 
t  evidently 
e  affigned, 
Providence 
irable  laws, 
overnment 
j,  and  the 
is  it  that  in 
he  pradical 
;ernmcnt  at 


*5 

our  hearts,  and  in  our  hands .  O  ur  belief  of  this 
truth  is  exprefled  or  implied  in  the  whole  of  our 
condud,  but  more  efpecially  in  our  hazardous 
undertakings  ;  and  con&dering  how  important 
this  grand  principle  is  to  our  fecurity  and  enjoy- 
ment, it  it  our  reproach  as  well  as  our  crime, 
that  we  are  ever  fo  inattentive  to  our  intereft,  as 
to  a£l  upon  it  without  proper  fentiments  of  ra- 
tional truft  and  filial  piety. 

This  inattention  and  negligence  tvill  appear 
more  inexcufible  in  fuch  a  frequent  the  fea,  if 
wc  confider,  in  the  fecond  place,  the  fignal  man- 
ifellations  of  the  power  and  Povidence  of  God 
which  are  daily  made  to  them  on  that  element. 
"  They  that  go  down  to  the  fea  in  Chips,  that  do 
buGnefs  in  great  waters  :  Thefe  fee  the  works  of 
the  Lord,  and  his  wonders  in  the  deep." 

The  wifdom  of  the  Almighty  ordained  the 
feparation  of  the  elements  ;  and  by  diftributing 
them  in  admirable  order  and  in  jufl  proportion, 
he  has  divertified  the  appearance,  and  increafed 
the  perfedion  of  his  works.  The  fea,  that 
grand  magazine  of  moifture,  forms,  as  it  were,  a 
world  by  itfelf ;  is  peopled  by  diftin^  tribes  of 
being ;  and  governed  by  peculiar  laws.  It  like- 
wife  minifters,  in  an  endlefs  variety  of  ways,  to 
the  falubrity  and  fertility  of  the  earth,  and  to 
the  convenience  and  improvement  of  man.  In 
this  advanced  ftage  of  commercial  intercourfe, 


■•ii.' 


I, 

I 


i6 

it  may  i^ell  be  (aid  that  the  fea  at  once  fevers 
aiid  unites  the  hations.  In  the  infancy  of  things 
wettiay  pefhaps  fuppofe  that  riien  Viewed  its 
{Welling  deeps  with  difmay,  and  turned  from  the 
advancing  flood  not  only  as  from  a  boundary 
they  were  forbidden  to  pafs,  but  alfo  as  from  an 
enemy  threatening  to  deftroy.  By  degrees^ 
however,  they  were  reconciled  to  the  appear^ 
ance  of  this  immenfe  aflfemblage  of  water,  and 
having  learned  that  "  God  had  broken  up  for  it 
his  decreed  place,  and  fet  bars  and  doors,  and 
faid  hitherto  fhalt  thou  come  but  no  further, 
and  here  fhall  all  thy  proud  waves  be  ftaid  ;*'* 
they  approached  it  with  confidence,  and  foon 
became  familiar  with  its  dorms  and  its  tides. 
Neverthelefs,  to  adopt  the  language  of  an  an- 
cient  poet,  three  old  oak,  that  is,  the  mofl  invin* 
cible  refolution,  tnuft  have  (hielded  his  heart 
who  firft  violated  the  fanftity  of  the  ocean,  and 
in  a  frail  bark  tempted  the  winds,  and  the  waves, 
and  the  feverer  wrath  of  the  angry  powers  who 
were  fuppofed  to  have  chofen  it  as  their  pecu- 
liar refidence.  But  gathering  courage  from  th« 
fuccefs  of  their  firft  adventures,  and  finding  the 
benefit  of  their  commerce  with  the  deep,  men 
foon  became  more  enterprifing ;  and  while  they 
proceeded  with  caution  and  prudence  on  their 
part,  hoped  by  prayers  and  facrifices  to  appeafe 
*  Job  xxxviii.  lo. 


I  I 


VJ 


^f 


once  fevers 
:y  of  things 

Viewed  its 
led  from  the 
I  boundary 
I  as  from  an 
\y  degrees^ 
;he  appear'- 
water,  and 
en  up  for  it 
doors,  and 
no  further, 
be  ftaid  ;*'* 
t,  and  foon 
td  its  tides, 
e  of  an  an- 
mofl  invin* 
d  his  heart 
ocean,  and 
1  the  wavcsj 
powers  who 
their  pecu- 
5e  from  the 
finding  the 
deep,  men 

while  they 
ce  on  their 

to  appeafe 


^l 


the  refentment  of  the  gods  of  the  waters,  and 
to  make  them  propitious  to  their  deGgns.  Ne« 
ceffity  continuing  to  (harpen  invention,  expedi- 
ents were  muhiplied  on  expedients  to  add  to  the 
eafe  and  fafety  of  conveyance  by  water.  Every 
new  generation  improved  on  the  pra£lice  of  the 
pad,  and  tranfmitted  to  future  times  fome  valu- 
able difcovery  of  its  own ;  till,  in  the  progrefs 
of  arc  and  fcience,  from  a  raft,  which  a  few  ofiers 
bound  together,  a  (hip  i«|tf  conftrufled,  the  moft 
ingenious  and  perfe6l  of  all  the  mechanical  pro- 
ductions of  man. 

Thus  to  the  dominion  of  the  earth  the  domiii 
ion  of  the  fea  has  been  added ;  and  in  the  pref- 
ent  improved  ftate  of  fhipbuilding,  the  mariner 
enjoys  almoft  all  the  advantages  which  the  land 
aflFords,  and  delivered  from  the  illiberal  terrors 
of  fuperftition,  has  an  opportunity  of  contem- 
plating, without  interruption  and  without  fear^ 
the  works  of  God,  and  his  wonders  in  the  deep; 

In  this  great  department  of  nature,  thefe  are 
neither  few  nor  inconfiderable,  and  it  is  not  nec- 
efTary  td  go  far  from  land  to  difcover  them^ 
Around  the  ikirts  of  the  (hore  a  garden  isiplant- 
ed  in  the  waters,  abounding  with  vegetable  pro-* 
du6lions  of  various  appearance  and  quality4 
This  marine  nurlery  is  exceedingly  beautiful* , 


)     - 

i 


■■■'.  ;*>VJ.^'*.,,^.vi:;^;.*:;j;'v|»  Vviwi  "I'/ 


'■/ip»i 


H>- 


•v 


18 


ri 


8'  ■  ^ 


The  preparation  which  nature  has  -.-le  to  aN 
tach  its  produftions  to  the  bottom,  and  to  di- 
re6l  their  growth  to  the  furface  and  the  light,  is 
wonderful ;  and  the  whole  of  their  economy  is 
eftabliflied  by  that  mafterly  (kill  which  has  done 
all  things  well.  In  their  wattry  bed  they  anf- 
wer  the  good  purpofes  for  which  they  were  cre- 
ated, and  neither  flourifh  nor  fade  in  vain. 

As  we  depart  from  the  land,  the  ocean  it(elf 
claims  our  undivided  attention.  In  a  ftate  of 
reft  it  is  a  magnificent  and  ftupendous  objcfl. 
Extending  further  than  the  eye  or  the  imagina- 
tion can  reach,  it  is  poured  into  bays  and  inlets 
without  number,  and  encompaiTes  the  earth  as 
a  girdle.  When  the  atmofphere  is  clear,  the 
immeafurable  expanfe  of  water  enlarges  our  fac- 
ulties, and  gives  elevation  to  our  conceptions 
of  the  univerfe.  The  mind  fwells  with  the 
fcene  which  it  contemplates  ;  the  range  of  vifion 
is  extended  ;  and  for  the  moment,  an  addition 
feems  to  be  made  to  our  notions  of  infinitude. 
•^2'  fiut  this  is  a  fubjedl  upon  which  we  cannot 
enter.  The  confideration  of  the  ufes,  phenom- 
ena and  laws  of  the  ocean,  would  divert  us  from 
our  proper  bufinefs,  and  lead  to  dilcuffions  un- 
iuitable  to  this  place.  Suffice  it  to  fay,  that  if 
the  earth  is  full  of  the  riches  of  the  Creator's 
wifdom  and  goodnefs,  fo  alfo  is  the  great  and 
wide  Tea.     Perhaps  indeed   the  ocean  is  mor^ 


% 


*:'r- 


Ac  to  at- 
and  to  di- 
le  light,  is 
conomy  is 
1  has  done 
they  anf- 
t  were  cre- 
vain. 

ocean  it(elf 
a  ftate  of 
»us  obje^. 
le  imagina- 
I  and  inlets 
he  earth  as 
clear,  the 
;es  our  fac- 
onceptions 
s  with  the 
igeofvilion 
in  addition 
infinitude, 
we  cannot 
:s,  phenom- 
ert  us  from 
:uflions  un- 
fay,  that  if 
e  Creator's 
e  great  and 
:an  is  morg 


replete  with  life  than  the  lan4*  Through  the 
whole  of  its  extent  myriads  of  creatures  range 
unconfined,  and,  with  all  our  boafied  fcience,  it 
is  but  little  that  we  know  concerning  them.  At 
certain  fetfons  of  the  year,  particular  fpecies  of 
them  are  found  in  one  place,  and  at  a*di£Ferent 
period  they  furprife  the  mariner  in  a  far  diftanfc 
region.  Some  rude  guelfes  have  been  made 
with  regard  to  the  length  of  their  life  ;  but  we 
are  (Irangers  to  the  inftin&s  which  regulate  their 
migrations,  to^the  routine  of  fervice  they  per- 
form, and  to  their  various  ufes  in  the  fyftem  of 
animated  nature.  So  far  indeed  as  the  learn- 
ed have  been  able  to  examine  their  external  fig- 
ure and  their  internal  conformation,  and  to 
reafon  from  thefe  to  their  condition  and  bufinefs 
in  their  own  element,  they  havfe  found  the  mod 
infallible  proofs  of  the  wifdom  of  the  Creator, 
and  of  his  unwearied  attention  to  the  perfe£lion 
and  happinefs  of  his  creatures.  .#1  ..i^-^j^;^ 

The  feathered  tribes  which  dwell  upon  the 
ocean,  or  frequent  its  coafts,  proclaim  the  fame 
comfortable  truth,  that  God  is  good  tr  all,  and 
that  his  tender  mercies  are  over  all  lis  works. 
The  extent  of  the  fea  is  their  domaiti ;  and  fee- 
ble as  they  are,  they  are  taught  to  fliun,  or  fit- 
ted to  refill  the  fiercenefs  of  the  temped.  Where- 
ever  they  are  found  they  appear  to  be  at  home. 


so 


Sit 


I 


Y.J 

\¥  .  t 
1,^ 


^  n 


■'  '• 


n 


and  though  in  general  they  move  in  flocks,  yet 
fome  of  them  are  feen  alone  far  from  any  land, 
and,  as  it  were,  in  a  ftate  of  exile  from  the  reft 
of  their  fpecies.  Delighting  in  the  filence  of 
an  untroubled  retreat,  perhap5  for  months  to- 
gether they  do  not  vifit  the  (bore  ;  iind  their  ex- 
iftence  is  entirely  unknown  fave  Co  him  who 
feeth  all  things.  **'  ~'*«^ "  *  '^' "  *•*•—•*•  *«i*-^ 
'-  But  a  more  interefling  objeft  fometimes  at- 
tracts the  mariner's  notice  and  reminds  him  of 
the  vigilance  of  providence.  Remote  in  the 
ocean  as  well  as  amongft  the  habitations  of  men. 
the  d&nger  of  venturing  too  far  on  forbidden 
ground  is  occafionally  difplayed  in  a  very  affe6l. 
ing  manner.  A  bird  belonging  to  the  land 
draws  near  the  (hip,  borne  on  a  weary  wing. 
Surprifed  in  all  probability,  while  hovering  on 
the  fhore,  by  a  fudden  blaft  whofe  impetuofity  it 
was  unable  to  refill,  it  was  carried  out  to  fea, 
and  perhaps  for  feveral  days  was  driven  along, 
without  any  other  exertion  on  its  own  part  but 
that  of  preventing  itfelf  from  falling  into  the 
water.  As  the  dorm  abated  the  anxieties  of 
felf  prefer vation  returned,  and  it  looked  round 
for  a  place  of  fafety.  The  appearance  of  the 
(hip  attra£ls  its  notice,  and  like  the  dove  at  the 
deluge  of  the  old  world,  it  draws  near  with  con- 
fidence and  hope.     The  antipathies  of  its  na* 


fi( 
a 


g' 


SI 


flocks,  yet 
any  land, 
m  the  reft 
filence  of 
aonths  to- 
il their  ex- 
him  who 

netimeiit- 
nds  him  of 
ote  in  the 
)ns  of  men, 
forbidden 
very  affe6l- 
>  the  land 
reary  wing, 
lovering  on 
petuofity  it 
out  to  fea, 
iven  along, 
vn  part  but 
ng  into  the 
anxieties  of 
oked  round 
ance  of  the 
dove  at  the 
jr  with  con- 
es of  its  na« 


tare  are  fubdued  by  fufferiog,  and  it  is  no  long- 
er afraid  of  man.  It  feeks  a  refuge  at  his  fide, 
and  may  be  fure  to  find  one  in  the  compaflion 
of  the  failor,  who  has  himMf  known  danger  and 
fear.' .  The  extent  of  the  hoilile  element  on 
which  this  bird  was  expofed,  the  weaknefs  of  its 
frame,  and  the  wonderful  concurrence  of  cir- 
cumftances  which  efFe£l  its  prefervation,  natur- 
ally raife  the  mind  to  the  contemplation  of  that 
eternal  power  without  whofe  permiffion  even  a 
fparrow  cannot  fall  to  the  ground,  and  who,  out 
of  the  very  jaws  of  death  can  give  deliverance. 

In  ordinary  cafes  the  variety  at  fea  is  not 
great ;  there  is  a  fatiguing  famenefs  in  the  avo- 
cations of  the  day ;  and  incidents  which  elfe- 
where  would  be  reckoned  trifling  are  there  fuf-> 
ficient  taamufe  the  mind.  Of  thefe,  however, 
all  fuch  as  ferve  to  cor^ipofe  the  thoughts,  and 
to  infpire  tranquillity  and  hope  are  peculiarly 
pleafing.  Hence  it  is  obfervcd,  with  a  ming- 
led fentiment  of  fatisfadionand  joy,  that  in  the 
bofom  of  the  ocean  the  grand  phenomina  of  na- 
ture are  as  magnificent  and  beautiful  as  in  the 
bed  cultivated  land.  There  the  arch  of  heav- 
en preferves  its  majefty,  and  the  rainbow  the 
fplendour  of  its  appearance ;  there  the  Iky  i9 
variegated  with  all  the  tints  and  fhadings  which 
give  luftre  to  a  fumracr  morning,  or  nyldnefs 


-r  I' 


^•^ 


z* 


ii ;. 


I 


Si 


v» 


■  1 


Vi 


Ifl 


»   I 


f 


»,  I 


to  an  autumnal  day.  The  fcene,  indeed,  is  pe- 
culiar, and  the  mariner  findi  himfelf  in  a  new 
fituation.  Ai  the  fun  defcends  below  the  gild- 
ed  wave,  a  folemn  (lillnefs  prevails  ;  no  cattle 
low ;  no  (moke  rifes,  and  no  dillant  noife  indi- 
cates  the  prefence  or  the  labours  of  men.  In 
proportion  as  the  lad  ftreaks  of  refle6led  light 
difappear  in  the  weft,  a  deeper  gloom  advances 
from  the  oppofite  quarter ;  and  at  length  the 
horizon  conlifts  of  dark  waters  and  thick  clouds 
of  the  fky. 

Such  a  fituation  requires  vigilance  and  cau- 
tion, and  may  lead  us  to  confider  in  the  third 
place,  the  various  dangers  to  which  the  feafaring 
life  is  expofed. 

The  defencelcfs  ftate  of  a  (hip  at  fea  without 
confort  or  convoy,  the  continual  expofure  to  ac- 
cidents, and  the  little  probability  of  efcape  or 
deliverance  were  any  evil  to  happen,  muft  in 
lumc  degree  at  leaft  render  a  voyage  a  tedious 
nnd  an  anxious  period.  The  fafety  of  the  mari- 
ner is  always  uncertain,  and  his  life  is  in'jeopar- 
dy  every  hour.  In  the  fineft  weather  and  with 
the  faireft  prorpe6ls,  the  careleflfnefs  or  the  caf- 
ualty  of  a  moment  may  deftroy  his  hopes,  and 
reduce  him  to  extremity.  They  who  follow 
other  profefTions  may  alfo  walk  in  the  midft  of 
dangers,  of  fnares,  and  of  death  ;  but  then  tbefe 


«3 


arc  in  genetal  concealed  from  their  view,  and 
they  proceed  in  a  beaten  tn€t  without  difquie- 
tude  or  apprehenfion.  But  a  multitude  of  haz- 
ards (urround  the  mariner  which  perpetually 
ilarc  him  in  the  face,  and  there  is  hardly  a  ftep 
he  can  take,  or  a  part  of  his  duty  that  he  can 
difcharge  without  expofing  himfelf  to  danger. 

fiefides,  the  mind  has  never  either  moTe  lei- 
fure  or  inclination  to  contemplate  the  nature 
of  the  fcenc,  and  to  dwell  on  its  uncertainties, 
than  during  a  long  voyage.  Many  things  occur 
to  fix  the  attention  on  what  is  prefent,  and  few 
to  divert  it  to  more  exhilirating  profpe£ls.  The 
feclufion  from  the  world,  the  abfencc  of  friends, 
and  of  all  the  objefts  that  have  been  accuftomed 
to  carry  the  individual  beyond  himfelf,  leave 
the  mind  unoccupied  ;  nothinp  interrupts  the 
current  of  uneafy  thought ;  and  when  our  fears 
are  once  alarmed,  ihey  magnify  real  and  create 
imaginary  dangers.  '    '7     ^       ,       . 

But  even  imagination,  fertile  as  it  is  in  fiClion, 
can  fcarcely  multiply  the  perils  of  the  fea.  So 
many  combinations  of  difficulty  and  fufFering 
are  poflible  on  that  element,  and  fuch  a  variety 
of  new  and  untried  evils  are  daily  experienced 
in  the  courfe  of  navigation,  that  no  calculation 
of  chances  can  afcertain  the  fum  of  hardfhip  to 
whiclvit  is  expofed.     From  the  hiftory  of  nau- 


'ill, 


( 


f 


fin 
H 


iVl 


■11 


«4  ,      - 

ticai  expeditions  of  all  kinds,  it  is  evident,  that 
more  complicated  and  fevere  diftreffes  have  been 
endured  in  fliips  than,  was  ever  known  on  (hore 
even  in  the  time  of  fiege  and  battle.  Fatigues, 
and  terrors,  and  difafters  are  the  mariner's  infep- 
arable  attendants;  and  thefe  are  increafed  in 
proportion  to  the  charge  and  authority  with 
which  he  is  invefted.  The  mailer's  office  is  pe- 
culiarly arduous  :  The  management  of  the  (hip 
and  the  feamen  is  expe6led  of  him,  as  well  as 
refolution  and  condu6l  in  the  fe.:^ron  of  perplex- 

• 

ity.  Whatever  is  difficult  or  embsrralHng  in  a 
voyage  falls  on  him  with  double  weight,  and  his 
vigilance  and  a6livity  can  never  ilsep  with  fafe- 
ty.  Contrary  winds  or  continued  calms  are 
equally  hoftile  to  his  repofe  ;   while  the  fcarcity 

of  provifions,  the  attack  of  difeafe,  or  the  en- 
trance of  difcontcnt,  fumraon  him  at  once  to 
the  mod  delicate  and  decifive  interpolition. 

The  text  refers  in  a  particular  manner  to  the 
labours  and  dangers  of  the  florm,  and  though 
thcle  are  not  the  worfl  evils  incident  to  naviga- 
tion, yet  they  are  of  a  very  alarming  kind,  and 
awaken  all  the  anxieties  of  the  heart. 

From  the  feafon  and  fituation  in  which  it  at- 
tacks the  mariner,  the  terror  as  well  as  danger 
of  the  florm,  may  be  greatly  augmented.  In 
the  dead  of  night,  it  is  an  awful  thing  to  en- 


"s^-v  .-nt 


'W> 


;i 


^ident,  that 
s  have  been 
n  on  (hbre 

Fatigues, 
ner's  infep- 
icreafed  in 
ority  with 
Dlfice  is  pe- 
of  the  (hip 
as  well  as 
of  perplex- 
rafiing  in  a 
rht,  and  his 
>  with  fafe- 

calms  are 
the  fcarcity 

,  or  the  en- 
at  once  to 
olition. 
nner  to  the 
ind  though 
t  to  naviga- 
g  kind,  and 

which  it  at- 

as  danger 

ented.     In 

thing  to  en- 


(idutlter  ^he  rage  of  the  wind  and  the  tolfings  of 
the  fea.  Light  is  enlivening  ;  and  the  face  of 
heaven,  even  though  enveloped  with  clouds, 
infpires  a  degree  of  confidence  and  fecurity 
which  we  never  poflefs  in  darknefs.  Befides,  the 
meafures  to  be  taken  for  the  fafety  and  cafe  of 
the  vcffel  are  then  obvious,  and  can  be  carried 
into  execution  with  more  certainty  and  expedi- 
tion, than  when  all  is  night  and  uproar,  and 
the  mailer's  orders  can  neither  be  heard  nor  an- 
ticipated.   ^'    v';Y|';«tjfi-f  jK.    •..•■*f.   :  ;^^.,::,f  .,.   V 

In  every  fituation,  however,  and  with  all  pof- 
fible  precaution,  the  working  of  the  tempeft  is 
terrible  to  the  mariner.  When  heaved  from  its 
bed  the  ocean  fwells  tumultuoufly,  nothing  can 
withlland  the  commotiotl.  Mountains  are  heap- 
ed upon  mountains,  and  the  flouted  ihip  mud 
labour  for  life.  Meanwhile  dangers  thicken^ 
and  fear  invades  the  company.  Every  hour 
their  condition  grows  more  critical  ;  *•  They 
mount  up  to  the  heaven,  they  go  down  again 
to  the  depths  :  Their  foul  is  melted  becaule  of 
trouble.  They  reel  to  and  fro,  and  dagger  like 
a  drutiken  man,  and  arc  at  their  wit's  end."    ■ 

The  continuance  of  their  trials  exhauds  their 
ftrength,  and  deprefles  their  Ipirits  ;  and  at 
length,  overpowered  by  fatigue,  they  give  them- 
felves  up  to  defpondence.  On  the  brink  of 
eternity,  they  think  of  the  feat  of  Judgment, 
D 


"'' 


tS 


■  ' 


and  of  their  appearance  before  God.  But. fears 
are  in  the  way,  and  the  fcene  which  excites 
them  inflead  of  infpiring  hope,  fuggefls  the  idea 
of  terrible  majefty  and  devouring  wrath.  What 
a  moment  is  this  for  the  diifolute  and  impure  ! 
Their  pad  a6lions  ru(h  upon  their  memory,  and 
confcience  condemns  them  for  every  fin  they 
have  committed.  Stung  with  remorfe,  they 
fhrink  from  the  thought  of  meeting  the  Father 
of  their  (pirits  in  all  the  fr^ifanefs  of  unrepented 
wickednefs.  But  who  fhall  now  interpofe  in 
their  behalf,  or  add  to  their  life  a  (hort  refpite  for 
penitence  and  preparation  ?  Their  friends  are 
far  diftant  and  cannot  hear  their  cry  ;  they  are 
cut  off  from  the  inhabitants  of  the  world,  and 
there  is  none  to  pity  far  lefs  to  relieve  them. 
Without  a  comforter  in  alt  the  earth  but  the 
God  whom  they  have  fo  often  offended,  their 
eyes  and  hearts  are  lifted  up  to  heaven,  and  they 
call  upon  the  Lord  if  (b  be  he  will  think  upon 
them  that  they  perifli  not.  The  King  of  mercy, 
who  rules  in  the  fyftem  of  nature,  and  hears  the 
voice  of  all  thd^  that  pray  unto  him,  liflens  to 
their  Cupplication,  rebukes  the  wind,  and  fays 
unto  the  fea,  peace,  be  ftill.  Immediately  the 
ttorm  becomes  a  calm;  the  flcy  refumes-  its 
wonted  ferenity ;  and  the  fun  looks  oat  and 
fmiles.  "  Then  are  they  glad  becaufe  they  bt* 
quiet ;  fo  he  bringeth  them  unto  thieir  deftted 
havc!i." 


<»s 


I 


87 


1.     Butiears 
hic^  excites 
gefts  the  idea 
rath.    What 
and  impure  I 
memory,  and 
rery  fm  they 
emorfe,  they 
ig  the  Father 
}f  unrepented 
interpofe  in 
lort  refpite  for 
ir  friends  are 
cry  ;  they  are 
le  world,  and 
relieve  them, 
earth  but  the 
otFendcd,  their 
aven,  and  they 
11  think  upon 
iing  of  mercy, 
,  and  hears  the 
him,  liftens  to 
vind,  and  fays 
nmediately  the 
:y  rcfumeS'  its 
looks  oat  and 
caufe  they  bf 
o  thieir  deftred 


But  perhaps  their  hardfliips  and  fufPeriflgs  arc 
•not  yet  at  an  end.      As  his  home  rifes  before 
him,  the  joy  of  the  mariner  is  checked  by  the 
folemn  confideration,  that  trouble  is  not  pecu- 
liar Lo  the  ocean,  that  difeafe  and  death  are  al- 
ways  at   work,  and   that  every  day  produces 
changes  of  its  own.     In  this  various  life,  indeed, 
it  fometimes  happens  that  they  who  go  down  to 
the  fea  in  fliips  are  preferved  from,  the  dangers 
of  their  piofelhon,  to  meet  feverer  afflidion  on 
the  Ihore.   The  family  and  relations  whom  they 
left  in  health,  and  whom  they  expedted  to  em- 
bface  in  gladnels,  dwell  in  the  houfe  of  mourn- 
ing.    The  eyes  that  were  wont  to  brighten  at 
the  fjgnal  of  return,  are  clofed  in  aeath  ;    and 
the  heart  which  overflowed  with  gratitude  in  the 
hour  of  reunion,  h  covered  with  the  clods  of 
the  valley.     The  habitation  of  domcflicjoy  is 
dark  and  etnpty  ;  the  voice  of  kindnefs  w^ich 
chid   the  long,  though  involuntary  abfence,  is 
filent ;  and  the  tender  aifettion  which  ftiared  in 
every   vicifiitude  of  fortune,  and  called  for  the 
whole  flory  over  a^d  over,  no  longer  Iweetens 
the  bittcrnefs  of  grief,  or  heightens  the  tranfport 
of  joy.     The  unexpetlednels  of  fuch  an  event, 
and  the  fudden  tranlition  from  the  elevation  of 
liope  to  the  depth  of  afflidion,  makes  this  ftroke 
fall  heavy  on  the  head  of  the  mariner  :   But  it 
is  one  of  the  calamities  incident  to  the  fcafaring 


88 


'' ; ! 


life,  and  ought  to  concur  with  the  reft  in  im- 
preding  failors  with  an  abiding  fenfe  of  their 
abfolute  dependence  on  God,  and  of  his  great 
goodnefs  in  faving  them  fronrj  fo  many  dangers, 
and  vifiting  them  fo  feldom  with  fuch  atflitkive 
difpenfations. 

From  this  fhort  and  imperfe€l  view  of  the  per- 
ils of  navigation,  I  nOw  proceed  to  offer  Ibme 
obfervations  on  the  fentiments  and  condufl  be- 
coming feamcn.  And  here,  furely,  I  may  be 
allowed  to  afk  in  the-firft  place,  what  returns  of 
veneration,  obedience,  and  gratitude  are  not  due 
from  thofe  who  are  fo  peculiarly  under  the  care 
of  God,  and  fo  fignally  preferved  by  his  provi- 
dence ? 

We  have  all  received  fo  many  bleffings  from 
the  goodnefs  of  our  Maker,  that  we  are  bound  to 
love  and  to  ferve  him  fo  long  as  we  have  any 
being.  But  the  ordinary  tenor  of  his  provi- 
dence is  fo  benificent,  and  in  common  life  the 
gifts  of  his  liberality  come  fo  much,  as  it  were, 
in  the  common  courfe  of  things,  that  we  do  not 
generally  perceive  and  acknow^ledge  the  hand 
of  the  giver.  Wc  are  only  awakened  to  con- 
fideration  and  gratitude  by  fingular  and  ftrik- 
ing  interpofitions  of  mercy  ;  and  however  un- 
thankful we  mav  be  for  our  daily  prefervation, 
and  the  neceffary  bleffings  of  life,  we  all  agree 
that  perfons  who  are  expofed  to  imminent  dats,- 


3 


the  reftinitn- 
fcnfe  of  their 
td  of  his  great 
nany  dangers, 
fuch  atBitlive 

iew  of  the  pcr- 
to  offer  Ibme 
id  condtiftbe- 
ly,  1  may  be 
^hat  returns  of 
ide  are  not  due 
under  the  care 
1  by  his  provi- 

blcffings  from 
re  are  bound  to 
i  we  have  any 
ir  of  his  provi- 
nmon  life  the 
jch,  as  it  were, 
tliat  we  do  nol 
edge  the  hand 
akened  to  con- 
rutar  and  flrik- 
id  however  un- 
y  prefervation, 
;,  we  all  agree 
imminent  dai;:^- 


m 


I 


I 


«9 

gers,  and  who  meet  with  furpriiing  deliverance, 
ought  to  teftify  their  dependence  by  an  exemr 
plary  piety,  and  to  exprefs  their  Kr^titude  hy 
public  acknowledgments,  .tn-^r-)  tii.I;  c  , :  ■ 
In  juftice  to  human  nature,  itmuft  be  alloiy^- 
ed  that  this  fentirtienthas  a  percepUble  influence 
on  the  condud:  of  thofe  who  haVe  concerns  at 
lea.  Confidering  that  element  as  hoftile  to  hu- 
man life,  and  taking  it  for  granted  that  it  muil 
require  the  peculiar  care  of  Providence  to  prc- 
I'ervc  the  mariner,  and  to  profper  the  bufinefs 
which  is  tranfadled  in  fliips,  we  find  that  a 
guarded  manner  ofexpreflion,  and  a  more  than 
ordinary  fliew  of  piety  diflinguifhes  the  conver- 
fation  of  the  fober  part  of  failors.  The  fame 
thing  may  be  rem?rked  in  the  forms  of  infur- 
ance  and  agreement  refpefling  fhipping.  The 
fupremacy  of  Providence  is  devoujly  acknowl* 
edged  by  the  contracting  parties  ;  and  phraf- 
es  expreflive  of  dependence  on  the  divine 
will,  occur  more  frequently  in  their  covenants, 
than  in  other  writings  of  a  fimilar  nature.  Aft- 
uated  by  the  fame  fentiment,  it  is  common  for 
thofe  who  venture  on  enterprizes  not  exempted 
from  danger,  without  any  public,  and  frequent- 
ly it  may  be  prefumed  without  any  private  fup- 
plication  for  the  divine  afliftance  and  proteftion, 
to  rcquefl  the  prayers  of  the  Churrh  before  they 
proceed  to  fca. 


l^ 


u 


,>,On  that  dnrbulent  element  men  live  under 
the  itnpreffion  and  the  awe  of  a  fuperior.     They 
are  encompaffsd  with  a  Iky  which  blackens  con- 
trary to  their  expe£lation,  and  find  thetnfelvei 
at  the  meroy  of  winds  and  waters  over  which 
they  have  no  controul.     The  fenfe  of  fear  is  al> 
mod  infeparable  from  fuch  a  fituation ;  it  is  ex- 
cited by  the  grand  difplay  of  power,  by  the 
magnitude  of  the  danger^  and  the  aflive  folici- 
tudes  of  felf  prefervation.     Amtdft  the  workings 
of  the  deep  we  {look  up  with  awful  reverence  to 
that  invifible  arm,  -which  rules  the  mod  adive 
elements  with  as  much  eafe  as  the  moft  inert.  This 
fentiment  is  fo  natural  to  the  human  mind,  that 
we  find  the  prophet  Jeremiah  employing  it  with 
great  effe6i  in  his  expodulation  with  the  difo* 
bedient  Jews.     "  Fear  ye  not  me,  faith  the  Lord, 
will  ye  not  tremble  at  my  prefence,  which  liavc 
placed  the  fand  for  the  bound  of  the  fea  by  a 
perpetual  decree  that  it  cannot  pafs  it ;    and 
though  the  waves  thereof  tofs  themfelves,  yet 
can  they  not  prevail,  though  they  roar  yet  can 
they  not  pafs  over  it  !"*    ir*V  jcnfw  •>!. .  'fi\  y  »  ^  v 
»*/  But  though  the  fear  of  God,  worked  into  the 
mind  by  theraanifeftations  of  his  power, ought  al- 
ways  to  operate  as  a  reftraint  (torn  offending  him, 
yet  it  is  a  tranfient  as  well  as  an  illiberal  emotion 

*  Jcr.  V.  22.  '      ,        ,, 


« 


.2?, 

I 


'1 

•tit 


M 


3* 

and  cannot  fafely  be  trufted  as  the  guide  of  con* 
dud.  Better  principles  ought  to  guard  the  vir-^ 
tue,  and  prompt  the  obedience  of  the  chriftiaa 
failor.  You  have  heard  of  the  long  fufFering 
patience  of  God,  and  of  his  goodnefs  in  the  gof- 
pel ;  you  have  cried  to  him  in  trouble,  and 
been  delivered,  and  when  he  makes  you  to 
divell  at  eafe,  will  you  forget  his  mercy,  or  your 
obligations  to  gratitude  ?  In  the  feafon  of  tran- 
quillity, it  is  your  duty  to  cheriih  the  remem- 
brance of  the  prote6lion  that  was  extended  to 
you  in  the  hour  of  difmay,  and  to  let  that  re- 
membrance give  fervour  to  your  piety,  and  iirtn- 
nefs  to  your  obedience.  It  is  your  duty  to  ded- 
icate the  life  which  God  preferved  from  the 
proud  wuters  to  religion  and  holinefs,  to  culti- 
vate the  fpirit  of  devotion,  to  attend  the  public 
worfliip  of  your  preferver,  and  to  publiih  what 
he  has  done  for  your  fouls  in  the  prefence  of 
your  brethren.  Thefe  duties  are  forcibly  and 
pathetically  recommended  in  the  text,  ''  Oh 
that  men  would  praife  the  Lord  for  his  good- 
nefs, and  for  his  wonderful  works  to  the  chil- 
dren of  men!  Let  them  exalt  him  alfo  in  the 
congregation  of  the  people,  and  praife  him  in 
the  affcmbly  of  the  ciders."  ,  -,^„j  ,,r  >><>*  r  ,• ;  :h 
By  luch  rational  and  manly  condu61;  you 
would  unfpeakably  promote  your  comfort  and 
peace  of  mind.     A  fteadfaft  truft  in  God,  and  a 


3^ 


4H 


devout  dependence  on  his  providence,  Would 
arm  you  with  courage  andconftancy  for  all  the 
labours  of  your  profeflion.  Genuine  piety 
would  purify  the  imagination  from  vifionary  ter^ 
tors,  and  call  out  every  fear  but  the  fear  of  doing 
wrong.  Shadowy  prefages,  evil  omens,  and  un- 
lucky days,  the  reliques  of  ancient  fuperftitiou, 
at  which  the  uninflru^ed  failor  Hill  trembles, 
would  no  longer  be  regarded  with  cowardly 
dread ;  things  that  are  indifferent  would  ceafe  to 
give  birth  to  anticipations  of  difader ;  and  al!  the 
varieties  of  appearance  in  the  fea  and  the  fky 
would  be  viewed  without  apprehenfion.  Safe 
in  the  divine  prote£lion,  and  fure  of  a  friend  in 
the  ruler  of  the  (lorm,  even  amidll  the  wrath  of 
the  elements,  the  pious  mariner  would  polTefs 
his  foul  in  patience,  and  aft  in  ths  very  face  of 
death  with  that  calm  ferenity  which  is  fo  ufeful 
in  defperate  cafes.  Animal  courage  is  an  un- 
certain quality,  dependent  on  circumdances, 
and  apteft  to  fail  when  needed  mod.  At  any 
rate  no  rigidity  of  nerves,  or  boldnefs  of  natur- 
al temper,  can  bellow  that  real  bravery  which 
fprings  from  a  good  confcience,  and  from  the 
confidence  of  fafety.  In  the  hour  of  trial  to 
unaffifted  nature  the  value  of  true  piety  is  fully 
proved.  "  God  is  our  refuge  and  ftrcngth," 
fay  the  good,  "  a  very  prefcnt  help  in  trouble. 
Therefore  will  not  we  fear  though  the  earth  be 


d 


reihaved,  and  though  the  mountains  be  carried 
into  the  midft  of  the  lea.  Though  the  waters 
thereof  roar  and  be  troubled, :  ugh  the  moun- 
tains (hake  with  the  fweilings  thereof."* 

In  the  2d  place,  let  me  admonifh  thofe  who 
frequent  the  fea  to  beware  of  an  unprofitable 
and  pernicious  fln,  to  which  from  example  and 
inconfideratenefs  they  are  much  expofed,  not  to 
fay  addi^ed  ;  I  mean  the  fin  of  profane  fwear- 
ing. 

In  ordc-  to  preferve  on  the  mind  of  his  crea- 
tures that  awful  reverence  which  is  due  to  the 

majeily  of  his  perfections,  aud  that  inviolable 
fan£lity  which  is  elTential  to  the  obligation  of  an 
oath,  God  commanded  by  an  immutable  law, 
that  his  holy  name  (hould  not  be  taken  in  vain. 
There  is  a  folemnity  and  (Irength  in  the  penal 
fan6lion  of  this  precept  which  ought  never  to  be 
forgotten.  "  Thou  ftialt  not  take  the  name  of 
the  Lord  thy  God  in  vain  ;  for  the  Lord  will 
not  hold  him  guiltlefs  that  taketh  his  name  in 
vain." 

Now,if  we  attend  to  our  feelings  inordinary  Iir(2 
we  fhali  find  that  it  is  natural  for  ourfelves  to  be 
extremely  jealous  of  the  manner  in  which  our 
name  is  mentioned.  All  nations  have  (hewn  a 
wonderful  delicacy  on  t  his  fubjeft  and  the  very 
*  Pfalms  xlvi.  1. 


Jli    .  ..  ...      ,,    . 

ftru^re  of  language  bears  witdefs  to  the  ToHci-' 
tude  of  mankind  to  avoid  offence  by  rudenefa  in 
addrefling  the  prefentjOr  a  dtfrefpe^ul  ufe  of  the 
names  of  the  abfent.     Indeed  there  is  no  cx- 
prefTion    of  contempt  more   mortifying,  than 
the  unceremonious  and  fcomful  ul'e  of  our 
name.     Even  between  equals  the  uneafy  emo>> 
tion  which  this  incivility  produces  is  very  pun- 
gent ;   it  brings  the  flulh  of  indignation  into  the 
face,  embitters  our  rcfentmenis   againft  an  ene- 
my, and^occafions  at  lead  a  temporary   difgufl 
with  a  friend.     But  if  it  is  unfeemly   and  im- 
proper for  a  man  to  ufe  the  name  of  his  fellow 
in  a  famiMar  and  difrefpeflful  manner,  hovr  in- 
finitely more  unfeemly  and  improper  mud  it  be 
for  cre?tares  to  proditute  and  abufe  the  name 
of  their  Creator,  to  make  it  the   burden  of  their 
converfation,  and  to  degrade  it  as  a  kind  of  ex- 
pletive in  the  chafms  of  their  difcourfc  ?  Other 
iins,  as  has  often  been  obferved,  may  have  their 
temptations  and  their  alleviating  circum dances, 
but  for  this  lin  there  is  no   apology.     Neither 
pleafure  nor  profit  can  refult  from  the  profane 
habit  of  taking  the  name  of  God  in  vain.     Even 
when  ufcd  as  an  afieveration,  perhaps  the  mod 
plaufible  pretence  that  can  be  alleged  for  the 
impious  pra6lice,  it  defeats  its  purpofe,  and  in< 
dead  of  adding  credit  and  authority  to  the  re- 
lation it  was  meant  to  corroborate,  uniformly 


t 


/  . 


i) 


i 


«5_ 

excites  a  fufplcion  and  cin      ft  ot  the       figns  of 
the  narrator.     A  perfon  ol  ^'»ud  faith    iced5  n- 
atteftation  to  the  truth  of  his  report,  and 
army  of  oaths  will  not  give  credit  to  the  lips  ol 
liar.     From  thefe  obfcrvations  we  may  learn,  ift 
part,  the  criminality  of  profane  fwearing,  and 
the  reafon  why  God  will  not  hold  them  guilt- 
lefs  who  are  addi6led  to  it. 

The  habit  implies  a  culpable  want  of  rever- 
ence for  his  divine  majefty,  and  a  determined 
fpirit  of  difobedience  without  the  pro fpefl  of  re- 
ward ;  it  deilroys  the  pra6licai  regard  which  is 
due  to  the  fupreme  objeft  of  religious  worfhip, 
and  weakens  the  ran£lions  of  an  oath,  the  lad 
bond  of  truth  and  civil  fociety. 

fiefide  all  this,  fuch  as  follow  the  fea  ought 
to  recolle^l:  that  profane  fwearing  is  peculiarly 
unfuitable  to  their  defencelefs  condition.  Your 
calling,  as  has  repeatedly  been  ftated,  is  full  of 
hazard,  and  in  the  time  of  need  no  other  arm 
but  God's  can  fave  you  from  deftruftion.  Be 
exhorted  then  to  refpe£l,in  the  day  of  quiet,  that 
holy  name  which  you  muft  invoke  when  at  your 
wit's  end.  Be  not  wicked  over  much  ;  and 
ceafe  to  imprecate  on  every  trifling  occafion  the 
wrath  of  the  Almighty,  left  you  fo  far  provoke 
his  indignation,  as  to  make  him  fulfil  at  your 
lateft  hour  the  moft  terrible  denunciation  in  the 


r 


m 


fcripture.t.  '<  Becaufe  yc  have  fet  at  nought  all 
my  counfel,  and  would  none  of  my  reproof,  I 
alfo  will  laugh  at  your  calamity  and  mock  when 
your  fear  cometh  ;  when  your  fear  comrth  as 
dcfolation,  and  your  df:ftru£tion  cometh  as  a 
whirlwind."* 

In  the  third  place,  Remembering  the  ditfi- 
culties  of  your  profeflion,  and  the  accidents  to 
which  it  expofcs  you,  be  admoniQied  to  be  tem- 
perate and  fober  in  all  things. 

It  would  exhaufl  your  patience,  and  re- 
quire a  volume  to  enumerate  the  evils  which 
are  occafioned  by  drunkenncfs.  That  ftupify- 
ing  vice  is  equally  pernicious  to  the  body,  the 
Hiind,  and  the  worldly  iutcrtfls  of  thole  who 
fuvrender  thcmlelvcs  to  its  power.  Butbefide  the 
Jong  train  of  dire£t  evils  which  it  never  fails  to 
produce,  it  alio  operates  as  an  inlet  to  every  fpe- 
cics  and  degree  of  wickedncfs.  The  drunkard 
has  no  command  over  himfelf,  and  in  the  par- 
oxilms  of  intoxication,  is  equally  liable  to  per- 
petrate the  viled  or  the  mod  atrocious  crimes^ 
"  Who  hath  woe  ?  Who  hath  forrow  ?  Who 
hath  contentions  ?  Who  hath  wounds  without 
caufe  ?   They  that  tarry  long  at  the  wine." 

The  fcriptures  compare  the  (late  of  a  drunk- 
ard on  ihore  to  that  of  a  perfon  who  lieth  dow^ 

•  Prov.  i.  8j,  26,  27. 


rrow  ?   Who 


37 

{fi  the  tnidd  of  the  Tea,  or  of  one  that  fleepL*th  on 
the  top  of  a  mad.  But  hoi^  much  more  im- 
minent is  the  danger  on  that  devouring  ele- 
ment ?  The  mariner  needs  a  clear  eye  and  a 
fleady  hand  :  All  his  faculties  are  neceflary  to 
him ;  for  when  the  (hip  is  under  fail  there  is  no 
time  to  rectify  miflakes,  and  in  general  the  in- 
advertence of  a  moment  is  punifticd  wilh  imme- 
diate death.  '*^'l 

It  i$  painful  to  reculle£l  how  great  a  number 
of  failors,  in  the  midft  of  their  vigour  and  ufe- 
fulncfs,  are  annually  loft  to  their  families,  their 
friends,  and  their  country,  by  this  debaftng  vice. 
Surprifed  in  the  frenzy  or  the  inlcnfibility  of 
drunkenncls;  they  arc  carried,  without  a  mo- 
ment's preparation,  to  the  judgment  of  God,  to 
give  an  account  of  their  life,  and  of  the  defence- 
lefs  condition  in  which  they  allowed  themfelves 
to  be  cut  oflF  in  the  midft  of  their  d^ys. 

This  confidcration  is  awful,  and  ought  to 
have  its  weight  with  drunkards.  But  perhaps 
it  is  unneccffary  to  expoftulate  with  them  on 
the  folly  and  danger  of  their  condu£t ;  for  among 
the  other  efiFeds  of  that  deftru£tive  habit,  this 
is  not  the  leaft  alarming  one,  that  it  generally 
acquires  fuch  a  complete  afccudcncy  in  the  end. 
as  to  become  almoft,  if  not  nliogetlicr,  invinci- 
ble.    Let  fuch  then  ;is   iue  yet  initnflavcd  re- 


[it 


joice  in  their  fobriety,  and  be  thankful  to  God 
for  his  preventing  and  reftraining  grace.  Let 
them  hold  fail  their  integrity  in  this  inftance, 
and  determine  to  avoid,  (o  long  as  they  live,  all 
approaches  to  drunkennefs,  with  as  much  care  as 
they  would  avoid  the  worft  evils  that  can  befal 
them. 

Laftly,  to  fobriety  and  temperance  it  would  be 
your  wifdom  to  add  moderation  and  frugality. 

The  life  you  lead  is  a  rough  and  laborious 
one,  and  your  wages  are  hardly  earned.  Much 
painful  work  mud  be  performed,  and  many  an 
inclement  night  fpent  on  the  watch,  even  in  the 
courfe  pf  a  profperous  voyage.  Hence  it  is 
obvious  that  the  duties  of  the  naval  profeflion 
require  health  and  ilrength,  and  an  unbroken 
conftitution;  at  the  fame  time  it  is  plain  that  thefe 
duties  neceflarily  {horten  the  duration  of  that 
period  in  which  only  they  can  be  borne.  Se- 
vere exertion,  want  of  regular  reft,  and  increafe 
of  anxiety  and  fufFering  in  the  word  weather, 
with  frequent  and  fudden  changes  of  climate 
and  providons,  undermine  the  conftitution, 
wade  the  principle  of  life,  and  produce  a  pre- 
mature old  age.  Accordingly  it  has  often  been 
remarked,  that  there  are  in  cotnparifon  but  few 
grey-headed  failots,  and  that  in  the  evening  of 
life  a  perfon  of  that  profeflion  can  give  but  a 


forrowful  account  of  the  companions  of  his 
youth  and  his  voyages.  In  the  fame  fhip  the 
fucceffion  of  crews  is  rapid,  though  the  owners 
remain  unchanged ;  and  few  iailors,  in  propor- 
tion, continue  fit  for  fervice  to  the  time  of  their 
death,  when  that  event  is  produced  by  the  gradu- 
al decay  of  age.  If  tbe(e  obfervations  are  juft,  it 
follows  of  courfe  that  even  independent  of  acci- 
dental calamity,  a  long  ieafon  of  inaction  lies 
before  the  mariner,  which  mud  be  comfortable 
or  uncomfortable  according  to  the  prudence  or 
imprudence  of  his  condu6);  while  in  the  receipt 
df  wages. 

Hence  refults  the  obligation  fo  peculiarly  ia- 
cumbent  on  Tailors  to  be  faving  of  their  gains, 
and  to  provide  in  the  time  of  health  and  fervice 
for  the  heipleifnefs  of  infirmity,  and  the  wants 
of  old  age.  Unfortunately,  however,  in  fpite  of 
fenfe  and  reafon,  the  fpirit  of  prodigality  and 
waftefulnefs  has  long  been  regarded  as  one  of 
the  diftinguifhing  chara£lerillics  of  the  feafaring 
life  ;  and  from  the  number  and  the  arts  of  thofe 
who  are  intereiled  in  encouraging  it,  and  from 
the  gnenerolity  of  nature  from  which  it  is  of  pur- 
pofe  (uppofed  to  fpring,  it  has  been  fan£lioned 
by  cuftom,  and  is  now  almoP.  converted  into  » 
profeffional  habit.         .    , 


,* 


•^ 


M 


/■:; 


I 


'     :!ii 


'  t;l 


Sailors  no  doubt  have  many  and  Ilrong  temp* 
tations  to  run  into  extremes  in  condu£l.  The 
reftraints  to  which  they  are  fubje£led  on  fliip- 
board  are  removed  when  they  reach  their  har- 
bour ;  and  it  is  wonderful  in  how  fhort  a  fpace 
the  impreffions  of  the  voyage  are  obliterated. 
As  the  vifions  of  ileep  are  difperfed  by  the  light 
of  the  morning,  fo  the  ideas  which  occupied  the 
mind  at  fea  are  fcattered  by  the  fight  of  the 
fliore.  Fatigue  and  fear  are  no  longer  felt ; 
vows  are  forgotten  with  the  perils  which  produc- 
ed them  ;  and  from  the  very  abllinence  of  their 
life,  failors  ruQi  upon  forbidden  pleafures  with 
all  the  hunger  of  appetite. 

In  thefe  intervals  of  fervice  they  heed  not  the^ 
Ilorms  that  are  pad,  nor  the  approaching  mife- 
ries  of  being  at  once  friendlefs,  and  indigent,  and 
old.  By  an  oath  and  a  jell  they  baniOi  ferious 
thought,  and  take  courage  in  diffipating  the 
wages  which  ought  to  fupport  and  cheer  their 
declining  days.  ..^.^^^^.^;^^ 

But  in  the  end  they  fuffer  feverely  for  their 
mircondu61;.  When  difchargcd  as  no  longer 
capable  of  fervice,  they  have  neither  refource 
nor  afylum.  Eflrunged  from  their  friends  by 
the  nature  of  their  employment,  and  wholly  un- 
qualified for  the  ordinary  labours  of  life,  they 
are  forced  to  cafl:  tbemrtlves  upon  the  charity  of 


■f    ^ 


.-     *'..*...  •■  «■■'*•'  '•' 


•     't 


*.  ■   I 


r.* 


••••••  •  .*• 

■   •       •       .  .     ■.■  '  .    •    ■  ^% 

th6  piiWc.  The  condition  of  the  mendicant 
poor  is  always  humiliating ;  but  when  there  is 
a  prefumption  that  the  beggar's  poverty  has  been 
occafioned  by  his  vices,  his  felicitations  excite 
little  compaflion,  and  even  his  importunity  ex- 
torts but  fcanty  alms. 

There  is  no  other  way  of  avoiding  fuch 
wretchednefs,  but  by  avoiding  the  folly  and  ex- 
travagance which  produce  it.  fie  it  then  your 
fixed  purpofe  to  a^  a  rational  and  fober  part. 
Not  that  I  would  harden  your  hearts  againft  the 
entrance  of  pity,  or  fhut  your  hands  againft  the 
claims  of  diftrefs.  Exercife  compaflion  and  be- 
neficence, only  guide  your  affairs  with  difcretion.' 
Live  by  principle,  and  prefcribe  to  yourfelves 
an  honourable  economy.  Cherilh  no  fuperflu- 
ous  defires,  and  incur  no  unneceflary  expenfe, 
that  if  accident  or  growing  infirmities  fhould  dif- 
iiblc  you  for  fervice,  it  may  be  in  your  power  to 
retire  to  feme  decent  Ration,  in  which  the  laft 
years  of  life  may  be  ufeful  and  happy. 

But  here  you  will  naturally  rccolleft  that 
this  is  not  the  whole  of  the  provifion  which  it 
becomes  you  to  make  for  the  future.  Melan- 
choly and  uncomfortable  were  the  ftormy 
voyage  of  human  life,  if  it  condu6led  us  to  no 
fafe  haven  of  peace  and  of  joy.  But  beyond  this 
Tea  of  trouble  th-jre  is  a  harbour  of  everlafting 
F 


-#. 


ft 


f^l 


:p\ 


..  w 


4> 


n  ** 


•  ■..■. 


,  •    w .» 


'»  . 


reft.  The  inconveniences  and  evils  which  dif- 
trefs  us  here  have  no  exiftence  in  that  vncloud- 
ed  region ;  the  wind  and  the  waves  are  ftill ; 
the  danger  <rf  fliipwreck  is  over ;  the  condition 
of  the  good  is  happy  beyond  conception  ;  and 
their  happinefs  will  have  no  end.  Is  it.  not  of 
the  firft  importance  then  to  be  ready,  if  we  may 
be  allowed  the  exprefhon,  for  this  final  embark- 
ation ?  In  this  fubluriary  ilate  every  thing  is 
uncertain.  Our  labours  may  be  fruitlefs  and 
our  preparations  vain,  for  death  and  judgment 
only  are  fixed  and  unavoidable.  Be  it  therefore 
your  firft  and  chief  care  to  make  your  peace  with 
God  according  to  the  terms  of  the  gofpel.  Con- 
fider  your  ways,  and  repent  of  your  fins ;  pray 
for  the  forgivenefs  of  God  thro' the  interceflion  of 
Jefus,  and  for  the  grace  of  his  fpirit  to  keep  you 
from  falling  in  the  time  to  come.  Give  not  fleep 
to  your  eyes  nor  flumber  to  your  eyelids  till  you 
have  made  fome  progrefs  in  this  mofl  needful 
work ;  and  when  you  have  once  heartily  begun 
it,  you  may  go  down  to  the  fea  in  fhips  and  do 
bufinefs  in  great  wateis  in  the  calm  and  in  the 
ftorm.  in  peace  and  in  war,  knowing  that  God  is 
your  Saviour,  and  that  under  his  prote£liop  i\q 
lailing  eyil  can  befal  you. 


•*>•:• 


4*^   * 


,»,.»  .- 


'■'   '         it 

♦♦  And  now,  brethren,  I  commend  you  to 
God,  and  to  the  word  of  his  grace,  which  i$ 
able  to  build  you  up,  and  to  give  you  an  inher^ 
itance  among  all  them  which  are  Cimftified."*  , 

•  Aflsjcx.  32,  V  '■•  /       ,  "' 


THE     END. 


^^ 


''.  -,t» . 


"*,  ^ 


